James Kon
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Kirisame arrived in the country yesterday for a three-day visit.
The ship is carrying 200 Japanese naval personnel, including 40 aviation cadets and 25 commissioned officers.
The cadets will be undergoing an exchange programme with Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) personnel, said Commander of Escort Division 4 and JMSDF Captain Maki Takayuki during an interview aboard the visiting vessel.
“JMSDF aims to develop and foster the basic knowledge and skills for the cadets, and cultivate their international perspectives during its international overseas training and also promote friendly relations with port-of-call countries,” he said, adding that the cadets will visit some of RBN’s naval facilities.
The captain also shared that the JS Kirisame and KDB Daruttaqwa will be conducting naval exercises in Bruneian waters around April-end. “We are in the middle of arranging these exercises,” he said.
CLOSE RELATIONS
The JS Kirisame had first visited 20 years ago, said Captain Takayuki. “This is the second time,” he said. “Brunei is a long-standing friend and an important partner of Japan.”
“During the earthquake that struck Japan in 2011, our country received much-needed donation from the Brunei government,” he said.
“As smaller countries, our two countries have a similar sense of values, therefore making it ideal to cooperate,” said Captain Takayuki.
He added that Brunei is a vital partner as it has good harbour facilities for ships to resupply.
Meanwhile, the captain said the increased spending for the JMSDF by the Japanese government was in his opinion, necessary for Japan’s defence and security and maintaining peace. “It is not a threat to other nations,” he said.
The JS Kirisame was welcomed by the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru and the Japanese community residing in the country.
Also present to welcome the arrival were KDB Daruttaqwa Commander Malek Fadillah bin Pehin Datu Juragan Laila Diraja Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Kefli and other RBN personnel.
Commanding Officer of JS Kirisame Atushi Sakata exchanged souvenirs with the commander of the KDB Daruttaqwa, reaffirming close ties between the two navies.
